Recognition: PM Ashraf advises students to see Malala as role model

Distributes prizes, certificates among 21 position holders.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has paid rich tributes to Malala Yousafzai and her fellow students who were shot injured by terrorists in Mingora, Swat on Tuesday. He lauded their courage and valour and urged students to see them as role models and pray for their early recovery.

He was speaking at an award and medals distribution ceremony at the Prime Minister’s house on Thursday.

The Prime Minister handed over prizes and medals to 21 students who passed the intermediate and matric examinations of the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education in 2012 with distinction.

He lauded the hard work of the students who achieved top positions. He also appreciated the efforts of their teachers and parents for helping them achieve this high stature. He hoped that with continued hard work, they would bring laurels to the country and achieve success in their ventures in life. He particularly appreciated the two position-holder students belonging to a madrassa (religious seminary) at “Satra Meel” in the outskirts of Islamabad, and declared them role models for others for balancing education and religion. He directed the education ministry officials to visit the madrassa and ensure provision of facilities, the institution required.

Federal Minister for Education and Trainings Sheikh Waqas Akram said education opens up windows of opportunity for the youth to advance in all fields of life. He lauded the performance and examination results of FBISE and congratulated the position holders. FBISE chairperson Dr Shaheen Khan said it was the only education board in the country with ISO certification. She mentioned that the overall pass percentage of 2012 examinations of HSSC and SSC was 81.35 per cent.

Besides cash prizes, students achieving top positions in their respective groups were given laptops for their performance.

Students bagging first, second and third positions in the board were given Rs50,000, Rs40,000 and Rs30,000 respectively.

Amna Imtiaz, who achieved second position in commerce group in higher secondary school certificate exams, seemed to be really excited to meet the prime minister in person.

She was optimistic to be a cog in the grand machine which will run the country in future, and ensure it is more efficient compared to the present. She attributed her success to her teachers and parents for their unflinching support.

With additional input from APP

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2012.